Hyderabad: The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), concluded a two-week training programme aimed at fostering innovation and technology commercialisation in African nations. Representatives from 11 African countries participated in the intensive learning experience from January 29 to February 10, 2024.
The event was made possible through the support from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, and commenced with an inaugural address by Snehaja Jonnalagadda, Chief of the MEA Branch Secretariat in Hyderabad, on January 29, 2024.
Highlighting the event’s significance, a valedictory ceremony was held on February 9, 2024, where participants were bestowed with certificates.
In her remarks, Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, lauded the diverse expertise brought forth by participants, representing various ministries and national institutes of science, technology, and agriculture across their respective nations.
Dr Hughes expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India for their support and underscored the importance of safeguarding intellectual assets, particularly from a legal standpoint.
Dr Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, Chairperson and CEO of IKP Knowledge Park in Hyderabad, also addressed the gathering and presented certificates to the participants.
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In her address, Dr Chattopadhyay emphasised the imperative of leveraging the training received, particularly as many participants hold pivotal roles in negotiations within their countries.
Dr Chattopadhyay highlighted the importance of strategic planning in negotiations, urging participants to prioritise opportunities that serve their nations’ best interests.
Dr Suryamani Tripathi, Global Head of Legal Services at ICRISAT, and Dr. Padmaja Ravula, Coordinator of ICRISAT’s Dryland Academy, emphasised the role of participants as ambassadors for their countries and advocated for the continuation of the invaluable network established during the training.
Speaking on behalf of all participants, Koye Yani Bolongar from Chad expressed heartfelt gratitude to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, ITEC, and ICRISAT for the enriching training experience.
Bolongar envisioned the programme as a catalyst for strengthening India-Africa relations and fostering robust technology sharing and transfer initiatives.
Reflecting on the transformative nature of the sessions, Maria Goyayi from Tanzania underscored an enhanced appreciation for Africa’s untapped potential.
The two-week training programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sravanthi Vedula, Senior Officer, Innovation Management at ICRISAT, expressing appreciation for the collaborative efforts that made the training successful.
